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Mahindra has launched the Thar, its much awaited offroader in Mumbai today. For those who have been waiting for it with baited breath, here is you chance for redemption. Mahindra have launched the Thar at a gobsmacking Rs 4.47 lakh for the DI 4x2 version (ex-Jaipur) and Rs 5.99 lakh for the CRDe 4x4 version.

The Thar will thus be available in two engine formats - DI and CRDe. The DI is aimed at the BS III markets, while the CRDe is aimed at BS IV markets. The DI's positioning is as a rural SUV, while the CRDe is aimed at the more young, yuppie crowd in metros who have more than just a passing interest in offroading.

The DI is the same tried and tested unit found on the Bolero and it produces about 63 bhp@3200 rpm and 18.2 kgm of torque at 1440 rpm. The CRDe on the other hand is the brute here. Powered by a more advanced 2.5 CRDe, again found on the Bolero and Xylo. Producing 105 bhp@3800 rpm and a staggering 25.2 kgm of torque from as low as 1800-2000 rpm, the Thar CRDe is the most powerful open-top SUV in the country. Both engines are mated to a rugged five-speed manual gearbox.

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To help this vehicle go off-road is a 2.48:1 and 1.0:1, two-speed ratio manual transfer box. The Thar also has provisions for air-conditioning, meaning it has a blower, vents, controls and ducting for a potential buyer to install his own air-conditioning. Available as a soft-top only for the moment, Mahindra has done its work in ensuring that the soft-top and the sealing for the soft-top is good enough to handle the air-conditioning.

Mahindra has made no attempt at hiding the fact that the Thar's inspiration has been its very own MM540/MM550 range of offroaders. Both these offroaders have achieved cult status today for their no-nonsense, reliable approach to offroading. The Thar looks not too different from the MM540 and hopes that this will help it achieve cult status too.

The Thar can seat seven and has an approach and departure angle of 46 degrees and 30 degrees respectively. It has a turning radius of 5.25 metres.

The Thar will first be launched in the cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mangalore and Cochin this month with the rest of the country in January 2011.

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